Corneal Refractive Therapy (CRT) Lenses

Jillybeans · 03-06-2005, 01:18 PM

I have seen CRT mentioned on the posts but no one has written about actually using them. I have recently started, so I thought I would share my experience so far.
I wanted an alternative to surgery -- I've been using the corneal refractive therapy (CRT) lenses now for one week. I noticed an immediate change and it is amazing to be free from any type of lenses during the day. It is currently only for myopia (nearsightedness).
The doctor must be certified in fitting and dispensing them. They are rigid lenses so they feel a lot different than soft contacts -- for me the sensation is annoying but not intolerable, and becomes less annoying the longer I use them. If you have ever worn contacts, you know what it feels like to have a foreign object under the lens. It does not feel painful like that. They are inserted right before you go to sleep, so you don't feel them for that long. When I wake up, I can't feel them at all.
In 4 nights of use I went from 10/400 vision (not able to see myself in the mirror) to being able to drive. The worse your Rx, the longer it will take to correct, and longer to resolve if you stop using them. My eyes were -3.25 and -4.50. The -3.25 eye was OK for driving in 2 days, the -4.50 eye in 4.
They are more expensive than regular contacts but the freedom from glasses, contacts, or surgery is worth it to me. I had never even heard of these until a week ago and now I can see. They were approved by the FDA in 2002 (FDA reports available on their website).
So far the inconveniences have been: (1) repeated visits to the doctors office - which you would have with surgery as well. There is a visit at one day, one week, and one month (more possible); (2) I had to wear them for driving the first 3 days, which again felt annoying but not intolerable. (3) Handling the rigid gas permeable lens is different than soft contacts, which took me a few uses to get accustomed to - they bounce when dropped and are trickier to remove. They give you a suction device for removal which I found very easy to use.
You must be dedicated to using them and caring for them properly. You must use solutions for RGP lenses which are not as widely used as soft, and the supplies for them are limited in my local grocery and pharmacy. I am still looking for a store that carries the recommended solution, but I found a comparable type at my pharmacy.
Another thing is if you lose one, you will be without sight until it's replaced. You can't use your regular contacts or glasses because your vision is temporarily changed. I would think some doctors might offer some type of insurance on loss, I am going to ask my doctor at my next visit.
Overall so far I would say the CRT lenses are becoming a great investment for me.
If you do an internet search on "CRT lenses" you will find more detailed information.

Trinity05 · 03-06-2005, 10:19 PM

Jilly Beans,
If you don't mind me asking, how much does this therapy cost? I think I remember reading some where that it was a lot cheaper than lasik. I am going to be looking into this as an alterative to lasik. I was set for lasik on 3/17, but after reading the consent form, I decided that lasik is just too risky. I don't want to risk losing my vision. I know the chance is small, but that is just it, there is still a chance. Now you stated that you had to wear these lenses during the day at first, were they uncomfortable after wearing all night? Keep posting your results, as I am really interested in knowing if it really works.

Trinity

Jillybeans · 03-06-2005, 11:42 PM

Hi Trinity,
My doctor charged $1200 which included the lenses and all subsequent follow-up appointments. My consultation (I had a full eye exam in addition to the CRT lens fitting) was refunded after I decided to purchase them, and there was a condition that if after a week I decided not to keep them, I would get $800 back. I don't know if this is comparable to all parts of the country, there was not much in the way of "comparison shopping" in my area.
After the first night of wearing them, I left them in place and reported to the doctor's office the next morning so he could check how they fit on my eye. My glasses were no longer appropriate, so I had to wear the lenses to drive to work, remove them, then put them back in to drive home. I did find I had to use rewetting drops to make them more comfortable, I can feel the edges of the lenses on my eyelids -- but they were not painful. As each day goes by the fit is more comfortable. I was wearing them for a short while this evening while watching TV, and they were barely noticeable. Over the course of the day, there is a point where vision gets less clear, but each day this point is later in the day. I was told that in 10-14 days the clarity should last all day. For me, they are the most comfortable when I first wake up.
I do have to tell you that at some times it does seem frustrating, especially those first few days where I had to keep taking them out and putting them back in. But I kept telling myself it would get easier... and it does.
I hope that answered your question. Feel free to ask more if you think of anything! Jilly

Jillybeans · 03-08-2005, 09:45 PM

I just had my one-week follow up. My vision is now 20/20 in my left eye with lenses out. My right eye is having some problems. My biggest problem is my own fault - I mixed up my rewetting drops and my enzyme cleaning drops (yes, I do feel stupid). I got prescribed some antibiotics and anticipate seeing clearly with my right eye after the treatment. From now on the enzyme drops stay in the bathroom cabinet, away from my daily supplies.
The comfort level of the lenses is dramatically improved.
I asked about replacement costs. When it is time to replace them (after a year or so) they will cost approximately the same as regular lenses, $150-$200. Any replacement during the fitting stages or damage due to normal wear are included in the initial cost. However if they are outright lost it is full price for the lens. Jilly

Trinity05 · 03-08-2005, 11:06 PM

Jilly,
That is amazing!! I can't wait to find a doctor in my area that does this. Is it your
-4.50 eye that is not seeing 20/20 yet? The reason I ask is because both my eyes are -3.25 and that would be awesome to be able to see 20/20 after only a week of treatment. I have some questions about the cleaning solutions: Are they more expensive and harder to use than solutions for soft contacts? Well hey, keep us posted.

Trinity